Sunday, December 21, 2008

Sunday, December 21, 2008 Today we received a photo update from a Yacolt resident.

Glenn and Lisa Welker, hosts of NWBR’s nest platform # 1, sent in a few photos of the first heavy snow and this year’s baby Quakers with Ma & Pa at the feeder.

Photos were taken and sent by Glenn, Lisa & Josh Welker.

For the babies, this is the first snow. They have plenty of food available and a warm place to get in out of the cold.

Unlike last year, when nests were torn down and many of their flock froze in the cold, this year there are cozy, warm nest boxes to provide protection from the 20 to low 30 degree temperatures, snow and freezing rain.

We are delighted to report that the flock has increased in size from 5 after last year’s tragedies to a larger, healthy and secure family.

Thursday, December 11th, 2008 We have had a few calls and E-Mails about our Special Needs birds.

Thursday December 11th, 2008

Warning! Graphic Content on this Posting!

We have had inquiries about a few of our special needs birds. These are hospice and trauma case exotic birds recently seen on the news. There is interest particularly in “Ouch”, the Lesser Sulfur Crested Cockatoo with a self-inflicted wound.

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We have been giving sanctuary to Pablo who is a 45-year-old, self-mutilated, feather plucked male Blue & Gold Macaw.

You will notice his crop looks inflamed. At first I thought it was a possible yeast infection.

He visits VCA East Mill Plane Animal Hospital in Vancouver, WA. Dr. Judd Witherspoon gave him a clean bill of health after a gram stain and throat exam. It may be due to the new environment and stress of being moved around before we took Pablo in for sanctuary. Dr. Witherspoon remarked,
"If he had feathers we normally would not see his inflamed crop."
Pablo has a great appetite. Here he is enjoying his Thanksgiving dinner.
Below are a few photos of one of my favorite roommates, “Mario”. Mario arrived here from Idaho back in 2005. He’s an elderly, spoiled, crying love. He needs to be seen or he PROMISES to be heard!Now, as for the questions about “Ouch” the Lesser Sulfur Crested Cockatoo...

Notice that the wound is closing.
The wound is open a little but still healing.Then we start the preparation of a padded collar.
(Step 1 - line the edge with thick tape.)





(Step 2 We secure a Scrunchie on the top of the collar.)







Garth holds the patient while she adjust to the added weight.




(Step 3 We secure a second Scrunchie on the top of the collar.)





(Step 4 We secure a third Scrunchie on the top of the collar.)



Garth Noggle is holding Ouch after the third Scrunchie is placed on her neck. We wait while she adjust to the added weight.Garth holds the patient a while longer until she adjust to the added weight.
Time to give this patient some TLC and praise for allowing us to do this uncomfortable procedure.

Now it's time for our patient to watch her favorite cartoons.

Pablo is Ouch's roommate. He wants the Disney Channel back on!

Mario the Moluccan has climbed back into his room while Pablo gets his way.

When Mario arrived, nearly four years ago, he was almost as feather plucked as Pablo. Mario climbs out of his room onto his favorite swing above his cage.

Mario insists upon going to go to the main indoor aviary.

Pablo agrees.

If you look closely at Pablo, you'll notice that his follicles are completely pulled out. Because of this he will never regrow feathers .

Ouch and Pablo are looking forward to Mario to moving so they can enjoy their cartoons.

Their wish is about to come true. Mario does not feel like watching TV.

Mario is now in the main play room. He gets the chance to do what he wants. Mario looks around and see's what he's been waiting for...

..."Emmy", Mario's long time friend. Mario likes to flirt with Emmy.

Mario also has another passion for being in the main indoor aviary.

Looking over his shoulder he see's his little live buddies.

Mario likes to try to catch the fast flying Cockatiels.

Then Ouch moves into my office area for supervision.

Sammy our permanent broken winged Lilac Crowned Amazon greets Ouch.

Sammy and Ouch get ready for a treat. They also enjoy watching me work on the computer.

“Goldie Jane” looks down on us, expecting her share of treats.

As expected, Ouch starts chewing her newfound toy around her neck. Now everyone is happy and content.

Hopefully this gives everyone an idea of the hourly regimen to keep behavioral problem birds entertained, safe and sane.

Please give your exotic birds the daily attention they need.

Yacolt Quakers Survival Story Yacolt, Washington USA!

A Peek into the future by a new fledgling Quaker from Yacolt Washington.(Photos by: Krista Wilson a generous local supporter from Camas,Washington)


(Photo by: Krista Wilson a generous local supporter from Camas,Washington)

(Photo by: Krista Wilson a generous local supporter from Camas,Washington)

(Photo by: Krista Wilson a generous local supporter from Camas,Washington)

(Photos by: Krista Wilson a generous local supporter from Camas,Washington)

Stay Tuned...

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Graphic Content On This and the Next Page....
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11-27-08 A Thankful Bird on Thanksgiving Day. (Graphic Content)

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Graphic Content On This and the Next Page....

Click on the blue icon, marked OLDER POST on the lower right hand corner to turn the page...

11-27-08 A Thankful Bird on Thanksgiving Day. (Graphic Content)

I received a call from a woman in distress. She was not able to care for this bird or pay for its medical needs.At first glance this wonderful female Crested Cockatoo appears to be normal, but if you look close at her feet you’ll notice some deformity due to possible improper housing and a selection of the wrong sized perch.
This sweet Cockatoo
(that we will name “Ouch” to protect the identity of her prior owner)
has a behavioral problem.

Ouch, who arrived from Las Vegas recently, possibly did not like the sounds of the new environment of the home she just move to. On the other hand, perhaps she did not like the other animals or the Northwest rains.The wonderful woman who called us explained that she rescued Ouch from her old neighbor in Las Vegas who was forced to move.
(Photo to be uploaded soon)
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I was told that when the kids from the local school got of the local bus nearby that they tormented this Cockatoo. This may be the true reason Ouch began to self mutilate.

***(Photo to be uploaded soon)
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Garth Noggle mixes a cocktail of medication to calm Ouch and gives her comfort &constant supervision.

Click on image to see at the damage Ouch inflicted upon herself within a few minutes time.

(Click on image to enlarge)

After “Ouch” tore, open her leg. She was immediately brought to our favorite local avian DMV, Dr. Judd Witherspoon of VCA East Mill Plain Animal Hospital.

Dr. Witherspoons assistant holds” Ouch” to reassure this Cockatoo she will be fine after its surgery.

She had twelve stitches applied to close this wound. She is stable now. However, she will need to be under constant supervision for the next few weeks. Then just 10 days of antibiotics.

(Click on images to enlarge photos)

A Special thanks to the staff of Dr. Judd Witherspoon & VCA East Mill Plain Animal Hospital located here in Vancouver, Washington. U.S.A.

Ouch is on the mend accepting medication & a sip of water. She now is living in housing quarters ten times the size of the cage she was picked up from.

PLEASE LOOK AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG FOR PAST POST ON RESCUES.